How much is IVF, who can qualify on the NHS & how many rounds can you have?
IF you're hoping to have a baby, IVF might be the path for you.
But there's a lot you should know before diving right in to avoid feeling worried or anxious.
Not everyone can qualify for IVF treatment on the NHS which means some could be forking out thousands for private treatment.
Who can qualify on the NHS?
Women under 43 who've been trying to fall pregnant naturally for at least two years should qualify for at least one cycle, so long as they've not had IVF treatment before.
Women aged between 40 and 42 must also show no evidence of low ovarian reserve - meaning they have fewer or no eggs left.
Read more about pregnancy
Women under 40 however are usually offered three cycles if they've been trying through unprotected sex for the same amount of time.
If you turn 40 during treatment, the current cycle will be completed, but further cycles shouldn't be offered, the NHS guidelines state.
But according to , eligibility varies from area to area and it's very much a "postcode lottery."
This is because individual NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) make the final decision about who can have NHS-funded IVF in their local area, and their guidelines can be pretty strict.
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ICBs usually have additional criteria including:
- not having any children already, from both your current and any previous relationships
- being a healthy weight
- not smoking
- falling into a certain age range (for example, some ICBs only fund treatment for women under 35)
So it's always best to check with your GP or healthcare professional.
How much does it cost?
If you're not eligible for NHS treatment, you can visit a private clinic, but it's "very spendy," Rachel tells Fabulous.
"On average it costs between £2,500 and £5,000 WITHOUT any extras. Add in blood tests, scans etc and the price goes up," she says.
That's just for one cycle of treatment and some women need more.
"The expense can go up and up and up with each additional treatment," she warns.
Rachel, who's a published author and regular speaker at , says to shop around, "but be wary of going abroad."
"There might not be the same regulations in place to protect you," she says.
The NHS warns there are a number of other issues to consider, including your safety and the standard of care you'll receive.
If you are looking to go ahead privately, Rachel says to " budget carefully and agree on your top budget in advance and stick to it."
Things to know before you ahead
IVF treatment certainly isn't easy for most and it's important to understand what you might be in for.
It can make you feel uneasy
Rachel says the process can be "very clinical" and women often feel "invisible, " so it's important to shop around.
"Good clinics really care and can give a good experience," she says.
That aside, some of the medication required before and after IVF can make you feel unwell, and feeling sick and bloated can become normal.
It's time-consuming
Rachel warns the process can take over your life, and in many cases, can negatively affect your relationship.
"Monitoring every day to get the timing right can become all-consuming and take a huge toll on the relationship," she says.
"Try to find other things to do to occupy your mind. It’s easy to stop doing fun things as a couple and also with family and friends."
And most importantly, talk to each other about how you’re both feeling.
"This is a tough journey for both of you and bottling it all up can lead to resentment and anxiety."
What happens once you're pregnant
"Once you’re pregnant, some couples feel a bit lost because the clinic is no longer involved (their job has been done)," explains Rachel.
She suggests booking in to see your midwife who will "take you under her wing."
Finally, Rachel says don't let your nerves get in the way.
"Many women continue to feel very anxious right through the pregnancy and beyond. She can feel that her pregnancy is more fragile and ‘precious’," she explains.
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"It can help to remember that it was the ‘getting pregnant' that was the problem not the ‘being pregnant’ or the ‘being a mum’."
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If you still feel anxious, fall back on your midwife who can offer you support all the way through your birth.
